What is defined as the ability or instinct to begin and carry out a task or plan?

The appropriate term for the ability or instinct to begin and carry out a task or plan is initiative. This concept signifies taking the first step towards action without needing to be prompted or guided by others. Initiative is crucial in both personal and professional contexts, as it reflects a proactive attitude—someone who demonstrates initiative is often seen as a self-starter who doesn’t wait for instructions but rather seeks out opportunities to act and complete tasks.

While motivation, commitment, and determination are all valuable traits in accomplishing goals, they refer to different aspects of the process. Motivation typically pertains to the underlying reasons or drive that propels someone to take action, commitment relates to the dedication to see a task through to completion, and determination involves the resolve to overcome obstacles in pursuit of goals. However, initiative specifically refers to the initial drive and willingness to take action, which is why it is the most accurate answer in this case.